Amber Chase's Musings on Cancer and Life

I began my chemo pills again last night after having several weeks off. It has been 4 weeks since I have had IV chemo either. It has felt so wonderful to be able to eat and enjoy food, enjoy family events, go on vacation, and have a little more energy while I have had my little chemo break. Having metastatic cancer causes so many problems by itself; pain, fatigue, stomach issues etc. When you add chemo, you just add a bunch of other problems. During my chemo break I was able to do so many great family things like my sister in law's wedding, going out to dinner as a family, going to the Draper temple open house, and of course our vacation to St. Maartin. As much as I have enjoyed my weeks off from chemo, it is time to start the fight again. There was a part of me that really didn't want to start chemo again. The chemos that I am on only has a 20% chance of slowing the cancer. I realize that if I don't take chemo, I have a 0% chance. As difficult as it is to suffer the side effects, I feel like I have to TRY to do my part in fighting this disease. I need to know that I did my part to be here for as long as possible for my family. I am being a glutton for punishment this week. Not only am I doing my oral chemo pills, I am going in for IV chemo today. I figure if I am going to be sick, I may as well double up and be really sick all at once. Plus I had to have an infected ingrown toenail removed yesterday. Due to chemo my nails grow all wonky, just another lovely side effect of my cancer treatments. Needless to say, I am going to be flat in bed the rest of the week. My sister in law brought me some movies including the Anne of Green Gables movie series. So, I am going to have some great entertainment! I am always so grateful for all of the thoughtfulness of friends and family. My family and I am taken such good care of. I am always so grateful for the meals brought in, and thankful for the friends who take my little boys every afternoon so I can nap. If we weren't taken such good care of, I know I wouldn't have the energy to fight!

Amber - First, Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Second, your March 2009 picture is wonderful. I know you probably don't feel like it but you look marvelous! Third, congratulations on passing the 22 month marker. Next marker is 34 months, then 46 months and so on until a cure is found. I can only imagine how hard this is for you but keep fighting - you are so special.

Reply

Emily

3/18/2009 04:35:59 am

Good luck this week. I just have to say that I have never heard the word "wonky" and it cracked it me up. I'll have to try to use it in a sentence this week. Even through it all, you still stay so witty and positive. Thanks for the chuckle. I sure love you!

I am glad you enjoyed your time off. I too have really enjoyed my 2 weeks of feeling good, but it is time to get back to the grind. I just had my second of four treatments today and go in for my Nuelasta shot tomorrow. (I hate that thing!!) I'm not looking forward to the next week, but as you say, "it is what it is." I will call you early next week to set up a time to come up and see you. I'd love to bring lunch!! Keep the faith. I think about you often and you are always in my prayers! You are truly amazing and you are earning your royal crown every day! Although it makes my heart ache that I learn from your example, I want to thank you from the bottom of (my aching) heart for your courage, faith, and goodness!

Reply

Sarah Morris

3/19/2009 01:35:21 pm

Dear Amber,

You don't know me, but I am in your mother-in-laws ward. Every time I get the chance to talk to Karen, you are the first thing that comes to my mind and I want to know how you are doing. Your blog is very impressive for not having very much energy. I am so glad that you are able to come on here as often as you do and share you thoughts and testimony with the world. You are such an inspiration to others who are going through trials in their lives. I hope others feel just a small amount of your sweet spirit and know that there is a Father in Heaven watching over us all. He loves us and cares for us all, even in our darkest moments. Thank you again for your message of faith and hope, and may you continue to touch the lives of many others across this world.

Reply

Kristen

3/23/2009 01:34:24 am

Amber....I loved visiitng last week with you and Dan and family. We will be praying extra hard this week...I can't imagine?

Reply

Katie

3/24/2009 03:00:15 pm

Thanks for being a great example to me. I'm so happy to have you for a sister-in-law. When Scott and I first dated, and I first met the fam, I felt something special particularly for you and Rachel, the sister in laws. I just felt like I knew you already. Beholding your strength and courage in this life has been great, and I'm glad to be a part of the eternal family circle with you, because rubbing shoulders with you is something I don't ever want to stop, even if we both live to be 117. You are just awesome, and your entire family has been amazing to watch through this long trial. Thanks for sharing your strength with me, and helping me treasure my time here on earth.

Reply

Aunt Lori

3/26/2009 11:47:23 am

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are loved by so many. Keep up the fight. I'm sure it's been a tough week for you and your family. They are working hard to make advances in the cure every day. I'm sure the answer is right around the corner. Love ya bunches, Aunt Lori

This can be a great website write-up and I defer to you what you've said below. I've previously subscribed for a RSS feed in Firefox and are going to be your regular reader. Many thanks for the time in writing the submit.

A lot of people would need to agree that this is the greatest option among the 3. On-line, you will get affordable rates along with the perks of convenience and quick shopping time. That’s mainly because you'll be able to browse through hundreds or even thousands of louis vuitton handbags possibilities with just a number of minutes or hours in front of the pc.

I found your blog site on google and check several of the early posts. Continue to keep up the good work. I just added up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking forward to reading through far more from you later on!

Do you already know about the Chanel Handbags? Have you been coach outlet acquainted with probably Chanel Bags the most beautiful and revolutionary Coach Factory Outlet? If not, then allow us inform you louis vuitton outlet dears they are undoubtedly coach outlet store among probably the most prestigious sorts of Chanel Purses purses in the around the earth Michael Kors Purses market today. When we talk about the women's beauty, Chanel 2012 would stand among probably the most effective coach outlet store online purses indisputably. They are beautifulCoach Factory Outlet Online, ground-breakingMichael Kors Bags, lovingcoach handbags , and caring Louis Vuitton Outlet Online purses at all.

Usually, they do not give problems to the affected person, but as the size of the deposit increases or become sore, they will surely give serious pain. The following are the frequently asked questions and answers that can help explain the concept of calcium deposits.